From Vision to Victory – How the Cannabis & Hemp Industries Can Take Control of Their Future

The Cannabis and Hemp industries have long struggled for federal legalization, access to banking, and regulatory fairness. Despite broad public support, industry progress has stalled due to political opposition, ineffective lobbying, and wasted resources on unsuccessful state ballot initiatives. The Change Maker Initiative offers a strategic shift—one focused on electoral power-building rather than fragmented advocacy.?

By investing in direct political influence, the industry can shape legislation, secure federal legalization, and prevent regulatory rollbacks. This final article in our series outlines how businesses, trade groups, and advocacy organizations can drive this transformation.

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Why We Need the Change Maker Initiative & How the Industry Can Engage?

The 2024 election cycle made it clear that the Cannabis and Hemp industries need a new approach. Despite spending over $219 million on state-level initiatives, federal progress remains blocked by an anti-Cannabis Congress and regulatory agencies resistant to reform. The old strategy—relying on state ballot measures and lobbying—is no longer effective.

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How can industry stakeholders engage?

? Corporate Cannabis & Hemp Businesses must shift political funding from lobbying alone to candidate support and voter engagement.

? Small & Minority-Owned Businesses should align with the initiative to secure social equity protections and access to capital.

? Trade & Business Associations need to redirect resources toward electing pro-Cannabis lawmakers instead of defensive lobbying.

? Advocacy Organizations should expand voter education programs to ensure pro-Cannabis voters turn out in elections.?

The entire industry must unite under a coordinated strategy to achieve lasting federal legalization.

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The Importance of Targeting Elections from 2025-2026 Through 2034?

Winning policy battles requires winning elections—not just in 2025-2026, but in every election cycle through 2034. The Change Maker Initiative will prioritize key races that influence Cannabis policy at both the federal and state levels.

Immediate Focus: 2025-2026 Elections

?? Virginia & New Jersey Gubernatorial Races – Electing pro-Cannabis governors who can shape state policies. ?? Kentucky, Louisiana & Mississippi – Preventing rollbacks in medical and adult-use programs. ?? 2026 Midterms – Flipping Congress to a pro-Cannabis majority to advance legalization bills.

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Long-Term Plan: Continuous Engagement Through 2034?

To protect industry gains and push new reforms, the initiative will invest in: ? Winning the 2028 presidential election to ensure federal Cannabis support. ? Expanding pro-Cannabis representation in Congress every election cycle. ? Defending state-level legalization from anti-Cannabis lawsuits and legislative rollbacks.?

A one-time investment is not enough—this is a long-term strategy to permanently secure Cannabis policy victories.

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How to Mobilize Voter Support for Pro-Cannabis Candidates?

Winning elections requires activating pro-Cannabis voters and making legalization a top voting issue. The Change Maker Initiative will fund:

? Retail-Based Voter Outreach – Dispensaries and CBD shops will distribute voter guides and educational materials. ? Digital Advertising – Targeted messaging to Cannabis consumers, veterans, medical patients, and small business owners. ? Statewide Media Campaigns – Radio, TV, and social media outreach in key battleground states. ? Community Organizing & Canvassing – Local activists will register voters and boost turnout.?

By educating and mobilizing Cannabis supporters, the initiative will turn political influence into legislative action.

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Learning from the Crypto Industry – Why Long-Term Investment is Essential?

The Crypto industry secured political victories by consistently funding elections, raising $78 million for 2026 races before 2024 even ended. Cannabis and Hemp must follow this model to maintain influence beyond a single election cycle.

?? Annual Industry Investment Goal – $150 million per year through 2034 to sustain political power. ?? Establishing Permanent Super PACs – Ensuring pro-Cannabis candidates are supported every election. ?? Building Cross-Industry Alliances – Partnering with financial, healthcare, and agricultural sectors to strengthen lobbying power.?

By committing to sustained investment, the industry will control its own regulatory future rather than reacting to political shifts.?

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The Call to Action – How Industry Leaders Can Commit?

The Change Maker Initiative is the only viable strategy to secure federal legalization, banking access, and long-term industry stability.

? Join the Initiative – Align with a unified national strategy rather than fragmented efforts. ? Contribute to the $150M Annual Fund – Funding elections is the key to legislative victories. ? Educate and Mobilize Pro-Cannabis Voters – Ensuring turnout in critical battleground states. ? Support Pro-Cannabis Candidates – Backing lawmakers who will push for full federal legalization.

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The future of Cannabis and Hemp policy is in our hands. Will we seize this opportunity, or allow history to repeat itself?

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For additional information about the Change Maker Initiative, contact Eric Foster at [email protected] or [email protected] or visit https://www.futurepac.today/changemaker/

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